Asked and Answered
Updated Sept. 30, 2020
With the announcement of a fully virtual convention this fall, we realize you have many questions. We have answers.
We will update this page with more information as it becomes available. Check back regularly for updates, or follow us on social media to receive update alerts.
Have a question? Fill out this form.
1. When will registration open?
Sept. 15, 2020, at noon Central time
2. When is the early bird deadline?
Oct. 15, 2020, by midnight Central time
3. Will content be asynchronous or one-time-only live?
Attending sessions when they are scheduled in the program will mean you have access to ask questions of the speakers via a chat window, but session videos will remain available from that point on. Live elements will be available for as many who want to attend live, and will be recorded to view later. Breakout session videos and recorded sessions will remain available until Jan. 15, 2021, giving all attendees flexibility to consume more information than what was possible with in-person events.
4. Around which time zone will the daily schedule be built?
Most content will be scheduled between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time. Swap shops and a virtual adviser event will take place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Central time.
5. Will there be any specialized offerings students can register for?
Absolutely. Aside from NHSJC programming, optional offerings mimic traditional offerings at the same additional costs. Those specialized experiences include break with a pro, publication critiques, student swap shops, National Student Media Contests, NSPA Best of Show and consultations.
6. Will there be pre-convention workshops like at in-person conventions?
Yes, but not in the same way. Starting Nov. 16, access to the virtual platform will become available, which is the Monday before the convention starts. Pre-convention content will be available on demand as soon as attendees log in at no additional cost. Regular convention content will release at specific times on Nov. 19 and 20.
7. Will there be a cap on the amount of attendees allowed to register or allowed in each session?
There is no cap on the quantity of attendees accessing the virtual convention, nor a cap on attendance for scheduled breakout and keynote sessions on the agenda. Caps do apply for critiques, Break with a Pro, National Student Media Contests and Swap Shops and small meeting rooms.
8. What is included with registration?
More than 100 breakout sessions, two keynote speakers, Swap Shops, on-demand pre-convention sessions, exhibit hall with interactive trade show, Pacemaker awards ceremony, access to recorded content until Jan. 15.
9. What is offered as a convention add-on?
Best of Show, National Student Media Contests, Break with a Pro, Publication Critiques and Consultations.
10. What forms of payment are accepted?
All major credit cards, purchase orders and checks.
11. Will there be an exhibit hall?
Exhibitors will have special offerings in a virtual trade show, including the opportunity to connect with attendees through a booth as well as share information through documents and videos. The exhibit hall will also feature a college corner for students to connect with journalism programs from around the country.
